This says a lot for Russ Smith : I dont hold onto losses. I dont hold grudges. I dont hate anybody. Im a positive person, and Ill go on. At the end of the day, this was a loss. I just empathize with the fans. I wish I couldve given them the win. Im so sorry. But for me, We lost to a great team. And I have great respect for them. Its just another loss in the books for me. Im just glad that I have a lot of respect around the state, and people respect my craft and my body of work. I love my teammates. Im glad to have gotten to play a part in their lives, from my teammates to managers to trainers to new freshman, Im grateful to be able to pass some stuff onto them. Im glad that Ive gotten to meet all the people Ive met. And Im glad I have Coach Pitino in my life. Hes helped shape me into a man. Without him in my life, Id be upset right now, off crying or yelling or making excuses. But Im here in front of you, manning up. I take this look like a man and Ill go out like a man. Smith continued to compliment Kentucky, and encouraged the Wildcats to advance further in the tournament. Those are a great group of guys. They show great love. You respect someone when you see a competitor out there on the court. From each class, from my sophomore year on, Kentuckys guys have shown me the same love. And these are new waves of classes, not the same people. So Ive gotten great respect for them and their program, I appreciate their words as potential NBA guys, and thats great. The twins are fantastic and theyre going to keep getting better. All those guys. Young, Randle. Dakari, Ive known him since he was little and Im excited for what hes becoming, and you have to love that. And for us, we have guys returning, a great freshman in Terrry Rozier, and I cant wait to see him explode next year....If my career had to end, Im okay with it ending to Kentucky. I respect them and hope they keep going. The senior ends his Louisville career with a national championship, two regular-season conference titles, and four conference tournament championships. Smith averaged 12.6 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals during his collegiate career. with Brian Sachleben.. Happy Monday !!
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:05:09 +0000